Brett Cole

The meeting included an engineering department update detailing completed infrastructure projects from 2025, such as waterline improvements phase 5, and ongoing projects including Victory Lane and Hood Street pavement and drainage projects, and the wastewater treatment plant expansion. Upcoming bids involve Mhler Road Pavement and Drainage phase two and Lift Station 33 expansion. Projects in design include waterline improvement phase five and the Durant storm sewer project. The department also reported on development metrics for 2025, covering commercial and residential permits and total permit revenue. A public comment was heard regarding the need for the City to consider implementing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for stray cats and to review animal ordinances that potentially penalize residents for caring for strays. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included approvals for minutes from previous workshops and meetings, renewal agreements for chemical supplies (sodium bulfite and sodium hypocchlorite), an extension for bank depository services, authorization for aerial spraying services continuation, a resolution declaring unopposed candidates elected, a resolution regarding interim gas utility rate adjustments, approval of a preliminary plat for Verona, and approval of a utility conveyance and security agreement for Imperial Forest section 3. Under other business, the council considered and unanimously approved a variance request for a homeowner at 2485 Ryan Drive regarding a rear setback encroachment for a metal building, prompting discussion about streamlining future approval processes for minor variances.

The Park Board meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to new members, John Stone and Brandi Wyatt. Key discussions centered on the election of officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary) and a detailed review of five-year park capital project recommendations. The board also discussed a proposed itinerary for a tour of City Parks and Property, detailing planned improvements for 2026 and 2027, such as slide replacements, lighting installation, playground replacements, and the installation of decorative fencing at Morgan Park.

Key discussions included reorganizing the Board by nominating and approving the Chair, Vice Chair/Historian, and Secretary positions. The Board reviewed the Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials. The Recreation Superintendent reported on master plan reviews, issues with a sliding door lock system requiring retrofit and motor replacement, and upgrading Board Room lighting. The Senior Center Manager reported on temporary relocation of activities due to wiring work for the new lock system, the implementation of facial recognition for the camera system, and new protocols for after-hours access and health measures in the ice room. Community interests included updates on the MLK parade, success with plastic bag collection for the Food Pantry, and the permanent relocation of a war memorial and bench to the Senior Center.

The workshop focused on two primary agenda items. The first involved a discussion regarding a proposed 533-acre Master Planned Community Development by Starwood Land within the City's ETJ. The developer proposed the creation of a Municipal Utility District (MUD) to finance and maintain facilities, and discussions included concerns from the Council regarding proposed lot sizes (40-45 feet) versus existing city standards. The second item involved discussing commercial motor vehicles parking on city streets, alleys, or other public rights of way. Council members reviewed existing ordinances, focusing on potential updates to address neighborhood concerns, particularly regarding vehicle length restrictions, with the Police Chief participating in the discussion regarding enforcement limitations.

The meeting included a proclamation recognizing National Mentoring Month. Public comments addressed the first Martin Luther King Jr. event and parade. The consent agenda addressed the approval of prior workshop and meeting minutes from December 2025, the final plat approval for Magnolia Trails Section 1, and acknowledgment of the Quarterly Investment Report as of December 31, 2025. Key discussions in 'Other Business' included concerns raised regarding an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Iowa Colony related to boundary adjustments in the Meridiana Master Planned Community, resulting in a decision to take no action pending further information. Council authorized Randall Scott Architects to incorporate the closing and abandonment of portions of North Hood Street and North Hardie Street into the design of the new City Hall / Municipal Court Building. Furthermore, the Council authorized proceeding with the design of the new City Hall / Municipal Court Building based on an approximate size of 31,190 gross square feet, with estimated construction cost ranges provided. During the executive session, deliberation occurred regarding the employment and appointment of the Municipal Court Judge(s). Upon reconvening, the Council appointed Mohamad ("Mo") Ghuneim as the Presiding Municipal Court Judge for a two-year term and approved employment agreements for the Associate Municipal Court Judges.